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VCOM Administrators Attend AACOM Senior Leadership Development Program

VCOM administrators posing with certificates
By Amy Ostroth -

VCOM-Virginia Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs Sofia Abraham-Hardee, DO, PhD, FACOP, FAAP, CS; VCOM-Louisiana Dean Mark Sanders, DO, JD, MPH, LLM, MS, FACOFP; and VCOM-Louisiana Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs Andy Langley, DO, recently completed a yearlong Senior Leadership Development Program (SLDP) with the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM).

The program, which has been held for several years in conjunction with the Academy for Advancing Leadership, is open to deans and potential future deans who are nominated by their institutions. The program provides in-depth leadership training specifically tailored to leaders in osteopathic medicine education. Small cohorts allow for highly interactive learning, which is supported through presentations, in-person events and networking opportunities.

Dr. Sanders has served as dean for VCOM’s Louisiana campus since July of 2021. Prior to his time as interim dean, Dr. Sanders held the position of associate dean for curriculum, assessment and medical education for VCOM-Louisiana, a role he had previously held at VCOM’s Auburn campus, as well. Dr. Sanders is looking forward to implementing the strategies he learned in the leadership program. “The research done on the effects of the pandemic and online learning with respect to board examination will help to form action plans for the future,” he said. “I would recommend this program for anyone wanting to advance their career and create initiatives at their institution. This program allows you to stay current on the tools needed to educate skillful and successful doctors.”

Dr. Langley has served as assistant dean for clinical affairs for VCOM-Louisiana since the campus opened in 2020. He held the same position at VCOM-Auburn before moving to Monroe to help open the Louisiana campus. “This opportunity to meet and learn from leaders in osteopathic medical education was extremely valuable,” said Dr. Langley. “I was able to build relationships and share ideas with my peers. We were given a unique opportunity to strengthen our skills and develop new strategies that will benefit VCOM in the future.”

Dr. Abraham-Hardee also valued the time spent networking with peers and would recommend the program for educators who are looking for additional leadership opportunities at their institutions. “It provides a great foundation for understanding colleges of osteopathic medicine,” she said. “The SLDP course provided me with a broader and valuable perspective for varying processes such as COCA, preclinical and clinical curricular mapping and many more.”

Continuity of leadership is vital to VCOM’s continued excellence. We’re pleased to provide opportunities like the SLDP the faculty who will lead the College and its campuses now and in the future.

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